Your Moving Cross Country Checklist

Written By

Machaela Casey

How to Research and Plan for Your Long-Distance Move (Hint: Do Some Digging)

How to Find the Best Cross-Country Movers

We realize that there are many cross country moving and storage companies out there. We also know people frequently resort to Google to find one. “Siri, search best rated long distance moving companies near me” or “Search what is the best moving company for long distance” even “home moving planning.”

While finding someone this way is certainly convenient, it’s not necessarily the best way to source a quality mover. And, finding a long-distance moving company near me is only one of several things that you need to do in planning a big move.

At Nelson Westerberg, we’re moving experts. We know how to plan and execute your long-distance move, whether you’re moving your home, your office, or your corporation. And we’ve put together this moving cross country checklist to help you organize everything.

Read on for our long-distance moving checklist.

1.   Know Your Needs

Looking to rent a moving truck only? Or, will you need more complete long-distance moving services? For example, you may need packing or storage and warehousing services. Or, you might need to transport heavy machinery or oversized vehicles.

What’s your timeline? Will you be moving in several months, or do you need to get there ASAP? Understanding your needs will help you find the best mover for you. It will also help ensure you get the most accurate quote possible.

2.   Plan Your Budget

Long-distance moving quotes are pretty straight forward. The cost depends on many factors, such as the distance of the move and the weight of the total cargo being transported. The time of year (and even the day of the week) of your move date can also influence your bottom line. If you’re looking for the cheapest ways to move cross country, there are other costs to consider too, like insurance requirements for long-distance moves. And it’s a good idea to decide whether you need additional services like car shipping or a storage unit to hold your things.

Most moving companies will provide you with a free estimate for your cross country move. But it’s important to know what costs are and are not included in that quote. (Note: a good company will provide you with a free quote only after viewing your space. Don’t ever agree to a quote without having someone see your space either in person or through video footage.)

3.   Do Some Research

Which US long-distance movers have the best reputations? Don’t just go with the first name you come across. Do some digging. Check Google and Yelp reviews for long-distance moving services reviews.

Next, investigate each moving company’s record with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Make sure that their vehicles are properly insured and that they are fully licensed to move your goods across state and international lines.

See if the moving company has any additional certifications that indicate quality service. For example, like the ProMover certificate given by the American Moving and Storage Association.

4.   Have a Conversation

Once you’ve narrowed it down, be sure to call each company that you’re interested in. Speak with a customer service representative about how they can meet your needs. Ask what services they offer, and see if they’ll be able to complete the move within your timeline. Make sure that they can answer all of your questions and provide you with all of the services that you need.

5.   Schedule Utilities

Long-distance moves take time, so plan ahead. Especially when moving a significant distance or dealing with an international move, you’ll want plenty of time to consider all the essentials. If you’re moving a business or corporation, know that it can take several months to set up shop in a brand-new state or country.

Don’t forget to create a timeline for important events, like shutting off utilities at your old place and turning on utilities in your new location. By contacting your utility companies and scheduling your cable and internet in advance, you’ll never be without these essentials.

6.   Take Necessary Security Measures

Take the appropriate measures needed to stay safe before moving into your new place. Scout your new property for any broken windows or inoperable doors and repair them before moving in.

You may also need to prepare important documents and call your credit card companies to notify them you are leaving the state or country.

If your property requires a security system, make sure to have it up and running before you move in. Finally, make sure to change the locks on all of the doors in your building before you arrive.

7. Make an Inventory

Creating an inventory when you start packing will help you organize your cargo, move boxes and equipment effectively on moving day, and unpack at your new location.

Itemizing your shipment will also force you to get rid of things that you don’t need. Remember, you’re paying for every item that you ship. You don’t want to pay to move anything all the way across the country just to throw it away once you get to your new location.

An inventory will also provide you with a record of all of your items just in case anything is lost or damaged during the move.

7.    Insurance

By federal law, long-distance moving companies are required to provide all customers with Released Value Insurance, which protects all belongings in a shipment at a flat rate of .60/pound. Released Value Insurance might work for you if have a small shipment.

However, if your shipment includes items valued at more than $100/pound, you might want to consider Full Value Coverage for greater protection. For example, if you are moving expensive items like collectibles or antiques, you might want the increased protection that Full Value Coverage provides.

We Can Help

At Nelson Westerberg, we know what it takes to make a long-distance move successful.

Why? Because we have a successful track record–we’ve been in business for over 100

years and have worked with over 200 clients. We have the people and the equipment to do the job right.

Our top-level customer service will ensure real time communication, from the first initial contact to the final invoice at delivery. We have a fleet of multi-sized trucks and specialty equipment to move your heavy machinery, industrial equipment, and office furniture.

We offer accessorial services-like packing, unpacking, and warehousing-that can further support you in making such a big change. Finally, we have ProMover-certified movers who are skilled in packing and transporting cargo.

Our National Support Network

We have five regional agencies in the U.S. ready to support your move. Our agencies cover all corners of the country:

·      Carrollton, TX, serving customers in Texas and the Southwest.

·      Elk Grove Village, IL, serving customers in Illinois and the Midwest.

·      Chino Hills, CA, serving customers in California and the Pacific region.

·      Mableton, GA, serving customers in Georgia and the Southeast.

·      Somerville, NJ, serving customers in New Jersey and the Northeast.

Our experienced team has moved offices and employees. We’re specialists in corporate relocation, home moving and in military moves. We’ve moved families and businesses across the country and around the world.

Contact us today, and we’ll discuss our long-distance moving quotes with you.